Mindless Juices

"Rent" is the Hollywood production of the award-winning Broadway musical. Sabrina and I went to see Rent, the musical, in Roanoke a few years back and we loved it. We bought the soundtrack and sang the songs. It came out in high school and I remember the freaks of the drama freaks going ape over it, but I didn't get it. I mean, I knew Phantom and Les Mis and I was down with those. But, I never heard of Rent and I didn't get it. Boy, did I miss out... Rent, a rock musical, written by the late Jonathan Larson, is one of the most relevant, inspirational and moving plays written this century. It is precisely this that made it take off. It's backstory didn't hurt... The short version is that Jonathan, after spending years writing and trying to get Rent produced, passed away the night of the final dress rehearsal. He saw his work take life and gave an interview for the NY Times after the rehearsal. The next morning, his body was found in his apartment. His body had finally succomb to the disease that was plaguing him. Now, there were a ton of people that were crucial to launching this show, but Jonathan life is written in its pages (it's not a biography, but you get it). It may be the reason its so... good! Now, you have to understand that it's a show about being poor, living with AIDS, being a homosexual and rebelling. Some lyrics: "How can you connect in an age Where strangers, landlords, lovers Your own blood cells betray What binds the fabric together When the raging, shifting winds of change Keep ripping away Draw a line in the sand / And then make a stand Use your camera to spar / Use your guitar When they act tough - you call their bluff We're not gonna pay rent!" Now, you've got to hear it, see it... because I heard it in high school and I didn't get it. I saw it after that in the news, but wasn't listening. It is an experience and should not be missed. The movie comes out on 11/23 with a lot of original cast members playing their original roles. I can't wait to see it. Now, the disclaimer: If you were offended or think you would not enjoy some of the content mentioned in this post, maybe you shouldn't see the movie. However, if you can have an open mind and recognize that there are people living these lives no matter how you feel about their choices or lifestyles, then, you might really enjoy this little entertaining & creative window into their lives.